Tulip Anthology

"With more than 170 illustrations, this photographic anthology is a glorious tribute to one of the most storied and beloved spring flowers. Van Dongen's color and black-and-white photographs dominate. While the selection might not satisfy the reader who desires a methodical, botanical survey, the photographs will delight those looking for a sensuous immersion in the subtle colors, seductive textures, and varied forms of the flower. Many of the photographs are thoughtfully paired with the paintings, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, prose, and verse that they inspired. The eclectic range of art testifies to the flower's iconic status and global appeal. The large format (11-in.×14-in.) and high-production values serve the illustrations well. A brief history of tulips from their origins in central Asia and Turkey and early commercial cultivation through 17th-century tulip speculation and 20th-century DNA mapping runs throughout. In her introduction, Pavord, author of the bestselling Tulip, takes readers from the remote birthplace of tulips to the center of the ultracompetitive Dutch flower exchange. A luxurious gift for flower lovers. (Nov.)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright PWyxz LLC)

"The fascinating tale of the tulip is told in a foreword by author and tulip expert Anna Pavord and through timelines, stories, poems and quotes. But the book's artistic merit rests entirely on the stunning, sensuous photos...." Oregonian

Coveted by kings and admired by gardeners in ancient and modern times alike, the tulip has nearly brought nations to moral and economic ruin. The Tulip Anthology is a beautiful and comprehensive celebration of this most astonishing and beloved of flowers. Ron van Dongen's lush color photography is paired with visual art from the last thousand years, as well as writings on the mystery and wonder of the tulip from throughout human history. A foreword by best-selling author and tulip expert Anna Pavord explores the bloom's rich cultural history and rounds out this vast and sumptuous anthology. A deluxe gift for flower lovers, this book rivals the beauty of the tulip itself.